Gelatin Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Source (Porcine, Bovine, and Others), By Application (Food & Beverages, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global gelatin market size was valued at USD 3.07 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 3.20 billion in 2024 to USD 5.51 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.03% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the gelatin market with a market share of 41.04% in 2023. Moreover, the gelatin market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 602.32 million by 2032, driven by growing demand for natural and clean-label ingredients in various industries such as food & beverages, cosmetics, and others.

The global market is experiencing robust growth due to the surging demand for functional food and beverages and increasing pharmaceutical applications. The rising demand for clean-label products and their growing usage in cosmetics drive the market. The product finds its wide utilization as a food stabilizer due to its excellent gelling, stabilizing, and foaming properties. Its growing incorporation as a food stabilizer can be due to the growing consumption of products such as pasta, yogurts, jams, and jellies. Additionally, people experimenting with cooking and baking during the pandemic increased the demand for gelatin. Moreover, companies developed new products to satisfy the growing consumer need. For instance, in August 2020, PB Leiner launched Textura Tempo Ready, a new gelatin type with unique properties. It is a clean-label product without any additives, consisting of 100% gelatin, an alternative to regular leaf form which reduces the preparation time by 50%.

Gelatin Market Trends

Increase in Demand for Functional Foods Due to Nutritional Benefits to Augment Market Growth

Consumer demand for convenience has risen dramatically in recent years owing to their busy lifestyles and their dynamically changing purchase intentions for various food and beverage products. As the popularity of functional food grows, people are becoming more conscious of food quality and the health advantages associated with various foods. This has resulted in people's growing interest in eating healthy foods, thereby contributing toward fueling the gelatin market growth.

It is extensively used in the food and beverage industry to enhance the flavor, taste, texture, and nutritional value of food products. Moreover, the increasing demand for dietary supplements to boost immunity further supports market sales.

Gelatin Market Growth Factors

Increasing Application of Gelatin in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Sectors to Drive Market Growth

The use of gelatin in the pharmaceutical industry is increasing due to the rising incidences of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases, the rising geriatric population, and growing health consciousness. Growing focus on healthcare due to escalating healthcare costs further drives market growth. Furthermore, consumption of the product is often associated with weight loss and treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and brittle bones.

As people age, their natural collagen levels drop, leading to the skin losing elasticity and developing wrinkles. However, the protein and amino acids in the product can help the body build more collagen, which is vital for healthy skin. Owing to this factor, various dermatology companies are focusing on developing novel products to address consumer needs. For instance, in April 2020, ISDIN, Spain's dermatological company, launched SunISDIN Softgel Capsules to the U.S. market. This supplement helps to prevent oxidative stress and supports general skin health.

Rising Demand for Clean Label Products to Propel Market Growth

Consumers are showing positive interest in clean label products due to their rising awareness and demand for products free of additives and preservatives. The growing demand for clean-label products is a key driver in shaping the nutraceuticals industry trends, which further pushes manufacturers to ensure that the products meet ethical standards. For instance, in August 2019, ACG Capsules, a business unit of ACG Group, launched a new line of clean-label advanced HPMC capsules for the pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals industry requirements. Nowadays, conscious consumers see sustainability as a key component of clean-label products, and many want their healthy food to be more sustainable. In addition, the pandemic has raised consumers’ concerns about food safety and quality, sharpening their desire for transparency and responsible sourcing in the supply chain. Thus, greater transparency and traceability push clean label concepts throughout the supply chain. The changing dietary patterns, along with the growing emphasis on protein consumption and the adoption of Western culture, influence the inclusion of gelatin in the preparation of various dishes. Therefore, gelatin-based products are expected to remain popular among consumers in the coming years.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Consumer Inclination toward Plant-based Substitutes to Restrain Market Growth

The increasing consumers' need for natural and eco-friendly ingredients is encouraging manufacturers to shift from animal-based to various plant-based substitutes. Many customers' rising acceptance of vegan products is creating a demand for vegan gelatin. Moreover, their growing awareness about plant-derived products and rising health consciousness further hinder the market performance. Porcine origin product creates concerns in the mind of several communities and is not acceptable. Moreover, the recent Russia and Ukraine wars created economic instability, affecting the demand and supply of several food products and animal feeds.

According to the European Parliament, Europe imports 52% of its maize from Ukraine. The shortage of maize for manufacturing animal feed affected livestock production leading to a fall in the head counts of pigs and other farm animals. According to the European Commission, in May/June 2022, the bovine population decreased by 2%, and the pig population decreased by 5% compared with the same period in 2021. This decrease in headcount adversely affected the supply of livestock by-products which hindered gelatin production.

Gelatin Market Segmentation Analysis

By Source Analysis

Porcine to Hold Largest Share Owing to its Higher Nutrient Content

Based on source, the market is segmented by porcine, bovine, and others.

A significant proportion of gelatin produced and employed in various industries is derived from pig skin. Comparatively, a small proportion of gelatin is derived from bovine, fish, and poultry sources. Porcine segment witnessed a strong sales performance over other sources since they are less expensive. Besides, the issue of possible fraud and mislabeling has become a concern among consumers. Porcine variety is used in vaccines as a stabilizer – to ensure that the vaccine remains safe and effective during storage and offers better performance than other sources, hence is utilized more often. In several countries, especially the Middle East, where most people practice Islam. Practitioners of Islam religion are barred from consuming pork and pig-based products. Thus, gelatin from other sources, such as beef, is popular in the region.

The bovine segment is projected to exhibit substantial growth owing to its rising utilization by athletes and fitness enthusiasts as it promotes faster recovery. The product is available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, and powder. Capsules are expected to witness strong demand in the coming years as they don't have any bitter aftertaste and can be easily swallowed. Moreover, the presence of amino acids helps to improve the endurance and performance of individuals while gymming and playing sports. It is also used as a jelling agent in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

By Application Analysis

Growing Use of the Product in Food & Beverages Propels Market Growth

The application segment includes food & beverages, healthcare & pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and others. The food & beverages segment holds a larger share owing to the growing usage of the product in food production to prepare snacks, candies, gummy bears, desserts, and other products. Furthermore, the rise in nutritional supplement intake and clean-label trends surge the demand for the ingredient in food and beverages.

The healthcare & pharmaceutical segment is anticipated to expand with a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. As the product has versatile applications in the pharmaceutical industry and medicine – ranging from the production of capsules or tablets or as a constituent of wound dressings, hemostatic sponges, or blood volume substitutes. These sponges are kind of absorbable medical dressings utilized for the hemostasis of bleeding surfaces. Road traffic accidents are the primary reason for fatal bone injuries. According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), an estimated 1.2 million people are killed in road crashes yearly. As many as 50 million are injured, annually, occupying nearly 30% to 70% of orthopedic beds in hospitals in developing countries. Due to the rising incidence of fatalities, there is a surge in demand for the GELFOAM Sterile sponge, a medical device intended for application to bleeding surfaces as a hemostatic.

The ingredient is utilized in numerous cosmetics and healthcare products. Due to its film-forming properties, it promotes skin smoothening and hair growth. It also improves the skin's condition and structure and helps prevent premature aging. Thus, found its wide incorporation as an ingredient in various face creams, body lotions, shampoos, hair sprays, sunscreens, and bath salts. The increasing number of cosmetics and personal care products demand is anticipated to further propel its utilization for cosmetics applications.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa in terms of geography.

Europe is the leading region contributing to the highest revenue share in the global market which stood at USD 1.26 billion in 2023. The increasing prevalence of bone-related disorders is expected to propel Europe's market growth. Growing sports-related injuries are expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for industry players in the market. The growing popularity of the product in various European countries, especially in Germany, has contributed to driving regional sales. The German cosmetics market is primarily driven by consumers' willingness to spend more on cosmetics and body care products. Furthermore, its utilization in hair care products helps reduce hair fall and promote hair growth. The growing popularity of hair care products among consumers in the region is expected to drive the market over the forecast period.

The North American market is extensively driven by the food & beverages industry, owing to the shifting consumer preference from traditional products to more health-oriented products. Demand for clean-label products and naturally derived ingredients is driving the North American market. The U.S. is one of the major consumers of the ingredient in the region. The products' demand is driven predominantly by bakeries and beverages, as consumers seek products that are convenient, healthy, and affordable.

Asia Pacific is likely to emerge as the fastest-growing region in the market. Increasing incidences of chronic diseases and a rising geriatric population are driving the market growth in the region. Increasing R&D spending to develop new forms and techniques for manufacturing pharmaceutical products is likely to further boost the market.  Several dishes in different cultures use gelatin while preparing their food items. This includes products, such as marshmallows, gummy bears, and jelly beans, which are highly popular in Western countries. In eastern countries, such as China, gelatin is used to prepare different Chinese soup dumplings.

The demand for the product is rising in countries of South America as they play an essential role in several end-use industries. The South American market is driven by the rising demand from the convenience and packaged foods industries. The escalating population and rising urbanization rates are positively impacting the processed food market, eventually surging the demand for the product from various packaged and processed food industries.

The Middle East & African countries, such as South Africa and the UAE, are witnessing an upsurge in the usage of cosmetics products which is likely to contribute toward the overall regional performance. The increased government efforts have gradually reduced the consumption of unregulated porcine gelatin. However, the region's booming halal sector is majorly promoting the consumption of gelatin-based products, such as nutraceuticals, which is likely to contribute toward fostering the market growth. Various manufacturers are focusing on increasing their production facilities, R&D centers, and test laboratories to expand their exports to other countries to meet the growing halal gelatin demand.

List of Key Companies in Gelatin Market

Gelita AG is Focused on New Product Launches to Strengthen its Presence in the Global Market

Gelita AG is currently focusing on new product launches and joint ventures to strengthen its position in the global marketplace. For instance, in March 2020, Gelita AG, a global producer of collagen proteins headquartered in Germany, acquired 65% of shares in the Turkish gelatin manufacturer SelJel. The joint venture is part of Gelita's strategy to meet the increasing demand for the halal bovine variant. The product is simpler and more precise than the traditional powder. It also has a higher melting point than many other gelling agents. Overall, the market exhibits a moderately consolidated structure, owing to the major share held by companies such as Gelita AG, Darling Ingredients Inc., Tessenderlo Group, and Nitta Gelatin Inc.

Other key players such as Weishardt, Trobas Gelatine B.V., and Lapi Gelatine S.p.a. are focusing on acquisitions, strategic mergers, and partnerships to further gain a competitive advantage.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Gelita AG (Germany)


• Darling Ingredients Inc. (U.S.)


• Nitta Gelatin, Inc. (Japan)


• Tessenderlo Group (Belgium)


• Weishardt (France)


• Trobas Gelatine B.V. (Netherlands)


• Lapi Gelatine S.p.a. (Italy)


• Juncà Gelatines SL (Spain)


• Italgel S.r.l (Italy)


• Sterling Biotech Ltd. (India)


• Gelnex (Brazil)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• December 2023: Darling Ingredients Inc., a leading gelatin manufacturer, obtained a patent for its specialized gelatin StabiCaps. This formulation helps improve the stability of soft gel capsules and can be used to produce a wide range of pharmaceuticals.


• May 2023: GELITA, a gelatin manufacturer, launched fast-setting gelatin that can be used to produce fortified gummies.


• January 2022 - Darling Ingredients Inc. announced that its global brand, Rousselot Health, has partnered with Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), which is a California-based research institute focused on regenerative medicine. With this partnership, the companies focus to develop gelatin-based therapies, eventually translating into clinical applications.


• October 2021 - Rousselot, the health brand of Darling Ingredients, launched QualiPure, a range of products for biomedical applications with controlled endotoxin levels. It was designed for wound healing, drug delivery, vaccines, and hemostatics.


• January 2021 - Nitta Gelatin India launched premium gelatin of international standards in the HoReCa category. The company said that food connoisseurs could look forward to preparing and experiencing various desserts, jellies, marshmallows, and other food products at international standards.


• November 2020 – Rousselot BV and Giusto Faravelli Spa announced a new distribution partnership in Italy. Under the partnership, Faravelli will distribute the pharmaceutical and food gelatin produced by Rousselot Functional Ingredients across Italy.


• September 2020 – Tessenderlo Group introduced a new product under its subsidiary PB Leiner. The PB Leiner extended its product range by introducing gelwoRx with two soft capsule specialty products.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product sources, and leading end-use applications of the product. Besides this, the report offers insights into the global gelatin market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation